I Am a Boglehead -- And Will Be Posting Live From Bogleheads VIII

(MoneyWatch) 

I haven't actually been one for very long. Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard, has been like a rock star to me and I've been fortunate enough to meet him several times. But for some reason, I never participated in a group of investors who call themselves the Bogleheads.

The term Bogleheads is meant to honor Vanguard founder and investor advocate John Bogle. Their ranks are now more than 12,000 individuals who participate on an on line chat room called the Bogleheads forum. It's a handy place to discuss financial news and theory and even to seek practical help. This site typically racks up more than 500 posts a day.

So why did it take me so long to become a Boglehead? Frankly, it's one of those "preaching to the choir" situations where most of the posts are about great common sense advice that I happen to agree with. When I'm shopping for some writing material, I'll tend to visit those sites that offer garbage advice, such as never investing in a 401K.

But I started looking a bit more last year and was intrigued enough to be one of the 134 attendees at their annual conference, Bogleheads VII, in San Diego last September. I was floored at how fascinating it was.

Not only did I get to talk with Jack Bogle again, but I also finally met another finance hero, Bill Bernstein, who will be coming out with great book shortly, The Investors Manifesto. The discussion at this conference ranged from the economy to the markets. The markets, as you may remember, were just beginning their turmoil and the advice I walked away with was critical to my financial future. No surprise, markets are risky.

Part of what I learned was that all Bogleheads do not think alike. I was able to engage in great debates with some brilliant minds. I'm continuing to learn that all Bogleheads do not agree with me, as can be seen from this posting on the site with much dissent regarding my characterization of annuities as not all being bad.

I was hooked. When the Bogleheads VIII announcement came out, my registration followed with lightning speed (or at least lightning for me). So this Wednesday, I fly out to Ft. Worth, Texas, to be one of the 145 attendees at Bogleheads VIII.

Why am I telling you this? Because, beginning Thursday, I'll be sharing some of the insights I'm picking up at the conference. I'll be posting live from the conference to get some insights from not only the brilliant minds of John Bogle and some of the speakers, but from the attendees as well, so stay tuned.

Check in Thursday for some live wisdom from this proud Boglehead at Bogleheads VIII.